Mitzvah —
111
Not to eat mixtures containing Chametz all seven days of Passover
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כׇּל־מַחְמֶ֖צֶת לֹ֣א תֹאכֵ֑לוּ בְּכֹל֙ מוֹשְׁבֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם תֹּאכְל֖וּ מַצּֽוֹת׃ - פָּרָשַׁת בֹּא
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Exodus 12:20 - "You shall not eat any leavening; throughout all your dwellings you shall eat unleavened cakes."
This Mitzvah's Summary
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Holidays – חֲגִים
During Pesach, it is forbidden not only to eat actual chametz, but also any food mixtures that contain chametz.
This mitzvah prohibits eating any food mixture that contains chametz during the seven days of Passover. Even if chametz is not the main ingredient, its presence renders the mixture forbidden. This stringency reflects the Torah’s unique approach to chametz, where even the smallest amount is prohibited. The mitzvah ensures complete separation from chametz and directs focus to matzah, which embodies humility, simplicity, and faith in Hashem.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Chametz U’Matzah 1:5): Rules that not only is chametz itself forbidden, but even mixtures that contain it are included in the prohibition.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 12): The root is to remove all trace of chametz from our diet, strengthening the symbolic lessons of Pesach.
- Talmud (Pesachim 43a): Establishes the principle that “chametz is forbidden even in a mixture,” highlighting its exceptional severity compared to other prohibitions.
Commentaries
(Source: Chabad.org)
